Ah, I was beginning to understand. “That’s why you were acting so strangely? Because he regained his memory and you were trying not to tell me?”
He nodded. “How did your conversation go?”
“About as good as anyone can expect. He seems himself, and yet very altered.” I forced a smile. “But it’s good to have him back, isn’t it?”
I could tell Mr. Ashby wasn’t buying it. He didn’t have to say it, but he asked anyway. “What is wrong?”
“Couldn't you just pretend like you can’t read my thoughts?”
He pulled up a corner of his mouth. “Not likely.”
I sighed. “It seems he isn’t sure he will return with me to Scotland.”
Mr. Ashby stood. “That two-facedcad. I’ll go speak with him.”
“No. Mr. Ashby, don’t.” I held out a hand to him, to stop him.
He turned back to me. “Don’t tell me you are letting him get away with this.”
“After what he’s been through…it must be hard for him to know what he even feels.”
“I don’t believe that for a minute. Graham Anderson loves Elsie Findlay. It is what the whole world knows to be true. That doesn’t change. Love for a woman like you doesn’t justchange.”
I remained silent. His words struck a chord in my heart that hadn’t been tuned in years. It rang throughout my body in echoing vibrations. I watched him pace, then saw him leave without saying farewell. I was so preoccupied with the way his words made me feel, that I didn’t even consider where he might be going until he had left.
He must be on his way to confront Graham. Without thinking, I got out of bed. It had been over a week since I’d stood on my own two feet. I had to hold onto the chair to keep from falling. Once I was able to stand on my own, I tried to stand straight. That proved no easy feat. I wondered if I’d be able to catch Mr. Ashby in time. My bet was no, considering the ruckus I began to hear below me. I rushed as quickly as I could to the bannister and looked down at the scene unfolding on the ground floor. About half a dozen people stood around Graham and Mr. Ashby, watching their interaction.
“What do you mean by telling Elsie you might not return to Scotland?” Mr. Ashby said to Graham. I winced.
Graham narrowed his eyes at him. “I dinnae think this is a conversation we need to have right now, Arthur,” he said.
“Are you out of your mind, Graham? How could you possibly let her leave without you?” Mr. Ashby didn’t back down in the slightest; he only came closer to Graham.
“If we are going to talk about this, why don’t we go somewhere more private. I don’t think ye want everyone to hear this.” Graham glanced up at me pointedly and Mr. Ashby saw me there.
His mouth hung open for a second before he turned to glare at Graham again. “She wants to know the same answer, Graham. She is just being considerate.”
Graham shook his head. “I mean, do ye want her to knowyertrue feelings? Because the way yer asking makes me positive about one thing.” He held up a finger to Mr. Ashby.
Mr. Ashby glanced up at me again, then pulled Graham’s finger down to his side. “That’s enough, Graham. This isn’t about me.”
“Isn’t it?”
I descended the stairs, not quite sure whose side I would be taking or what I would say. The two of them faced me as I slowly took the last stair and stood before them. I opened my mouth and looked between the two of them. I couldn’t find the words. There was suddenly too much to say, too much to hear, and too much tofeel.
Even if I could have said something, though, it would have been abruptly cut off by the very loud and very startling call of"Elsie!"From the front door.
Everyone turned to see my father there, towering over every person in the room. He came to me and enveloped me in a crushing embrace which was both physically and emotionally painful. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him, missed home. Ieagerly wrapped my arms around his middle and embraced him in return; all other worries would have to wait.
“Papa!” I cried into his chest.
Chapter 33
Ifeltlikeachildagain, seeking comfort from my strong and dependable father. Crying had never been my immediate reaction to a difficult situation, but I’d found myself crying more during this journey than ever before. Perhaps I wasn’t cut out for so much turmoil. Having my father there reminded me of the easy life I had in Scotland, and how much I missed that. This life was harsh and tiring. And my reason for being here was now in question…once again.
My father pulled back from our embrace. His brows were pinched together, his eyes narrow, his lips thin. And then he truly saw me and his eyes became gentle, his lips frowning in sympathy. “Elsie, what on earth have you been through?” he said softly. His arms curled around me once more.
He pulled back again, and the severe look was back on his face. “How could you do that to me?” His voice demanded an immediate answer.
